Agencies
Pyongyang, August 25: Failure to win an Olympic medal may lead to a two-year banishment of working in coal mines. Yes, that is the punishment that is awaiting some of the North Korean athletes who participated in the recently-concluded Rio Games.
North Korean ruler Kim Jong II had set a target of five golds and a minimum of 17 medals for the Rio event. North Korea had sent 31 athletes to Rio and they managed to win two gold, three silvers and two bronzes, way short of the target set by the dictator. In the London Olympics 2012, the North Korean athletes had won four gold and two bronze medals. Moreover, with arch rivals South Korea winning nine golds and 21 medals in all, the non-performing athletes are sure to face the wrath of the ruler.
‘The Sun’ in London has published a report stating the cruelties players have had to face during Kim’s tenure. According to the report when North Korea were beaten 0-7 by Portugal in the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa, a number of players were sent to work in coal mines for two years and they were not even allowed to return to their homes. Other than the medal-winners at Rio this time, the same fate may befall those who were unsuccessful.
The report also states that the players who have disappointed the dictator may be punished by being moved to poor quality houses and provided lesser rations. However, those who won medals would be awarded good quality housing, better rations, car and other gifts from the kingdom.
